Commercial collection services

Business hazardous waste

Most businesses generate some type of dangerous waste, also known as hazardous waste, which can be harmful to public health and the environment. All businesses are responsible for managing their dangerous waste, and are subject to rules from the Washington State Department of Ecology and local government.  Batteries, electronics, and lights/lamps are all examples of common dangerous wastes that are required to be properly handled.

Small quantity generators, or SQGs, are businesses or non-profits that produce less than 220 pounds of dangerous waste each month, accumulate less than 2,200 pounds at any time, and generate or accumulate less than 2.2 pounds of listed wastes that are extremely dangerous. Businesses producing higher levels of dangerous waste are medium or large quantity generators, and must follow Ecology regulations.

How do I know if I am a SQG?

SQGs are exempt from Ecology regulations when they follow these three basic steps to responsibly manage SQG dangerous waste.

Step 1: Determine if your business has dangerous waste

Dangerous waste is very common, and most businesses produce some. For a complete guide on identifying dangerous waste, a process known as waste designation, visit Ecology’s website.

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AdhesivesDry cleaning chemicalsPaints
Aerosol spraysElectronicsPesticides
AntifreezeFertilizersPharmaceutical wastes
AsbestosFiberglassPoisons
Automotive productsInksSolvents
BatteriesLeadThinners
CadmiumLights and lampsTreated wood
CleanersMercuryUsed oil
Dental wasteMetal finishingUsed shop towels

Step 2: Handle and store dangerous waste safely

Dangerous waste needs to be properly stored and labeled before disposal. Improper handling and disposal can result in fines, safety violations, and expensive clean-up costs. 

Don’t stockpile dangerous waste. Stockpiling dangerous waste can have serious consequences. Natural disasters can be devastating and cause spills at your facility. Furthermore, accumulating over 2,200 pounds of dangerous waste at any time will turn your business into a medium or large quantity generator, and you will no longer be exempt from state regulations. 2,200 pounds is about five 55-gallon drums filled with water. Don’t wait until it is too late; prevent spills and maintain your regulatory exemption status by disposing your SQG dangerous waste often and responsibly.

For a complete guide on dangerous waste storage, visit Ecology’s website.

Step 3: Recycle or dispose of SQG dangerous waste

The following companies provide dangerous waste disposal and recycling for SQGs in Clark County. Services and rules vary between waste companies. Contact representatives to find the best fit for your business’s dangerous waste. Call before you go.

Keep in mind that containers that once held a hazardous substance may need disposal as a dangerous waste. Learn more on the Ecology website.

Note: Clark County does not endorse any service providers listed. You are responsible for making sure your waste is handled and disposed of properly.

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  • Advanced Chemical Transport, Inc. (ACTenviro)
    13600 SE Ambler Rd, Clackamas, OR 97015
    Offers a full range of dangerous waste services
    971.279.6780
  • Clean Earth
    625 S 32nd St, Washougal, WA 98671
    Offers a full range of dangerous waste pick-up services 
    360.835.8594
  • Clean Harbors
    12402 SE Jennifer St. #160, Clackamas, OR 97015
    Offers a full range of dangerous waste pick-up services
    503.785.0404
  • Emerald Services
    1300 W 12th St, Vancouver, WA 98660
    Specializes in automotive, commercial and industrial dangerous waste services
    360.693.4317
  • EnviroServe
    7503 NE 101st St, Vancouver, WA 98662
    Offers a full range of dangerous waste services
    800.488.0910
  • Safety-Kleen Systems 
    16540 SE 130th Ave, Clackamas, OR 97015
    Specializes in parts-washers, liquid dangerous waste disposal services and more
    503.655.5798
  • Veolia Environmental Services
    5720C NE 121st Ave, Suite 105, Vancouver, WA 98682
    Offers a full range of dangerous waste pick-up services
    360.260.0882

Universal waste, product stewardship, and private recyclers

Businesses have recycling options for specific dangerous wastes through product stewardship laws, universal waste rules, and private recyclers. Recycling these items is often more cost effective than disposing it as dangerous waste. See the below for extra recycling options for specific materials and products. Always call before you drive because these options are subject to change without notice, and additional rules or restrictions may apply. Fees apply unless otherwise stated.

Paint cans

Contact information

Solid Waste Operations 
Solid Waste Education & Outreach
564.397.7352
Email

Free, non-regulatory assistance

Need more assistance managing your dangerous waste? Clark County and the City of Vancouver offer free, on-site technical assistance to local businesses. Learn more about our Pollution Prevention Assistance Program.

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Mail-in options

Waste Management

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Small businesses (fewer than 50 employees) can participate in free electronics recycling through E-Cycle Washington.

Drop-off locations

Earth Friendly Recycling,
11825 NE 113th St, Suite 100
Vancouver, WA 98662
360.433.8575

EH Metal Recycling,
8801 NE 117th Ave.
Vancouver, WA 98662
360.334.6005

Office Depot Tech Recycling Boxes,
8812 NE 5th Ave.
Vancouver, WA 98665
360.573.9275

Office Depot Tech Recycling Boxes,
11505 NE Fourth Plain Blvd.
Vancouver, WA 98662
360.253.2048

Mail-in options 

Waste Management

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Mail-in options 

Waste Management

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Drop-off locations

Unused paint can be recycled at PaintCare Washington locations.  Review PaintCare’s list of accepted and not accepted products before visiting drop-off sites. Locations vary in quantity of paint they will accept each day (5 gallons, 10-20 gallons, or 100 gallons).

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Drop-off locations

Check with your product’s manufacturer or retailer for recycling options.

Mail-in options 

Waste Management

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Mail-in options

Clean Earth

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Drop-off locations

Batteries Plus Bulbs
1218 NE 88th St, Suite #120
Vancouver, WA 98665
(360) 213-0926
or
2100A SE 164th Ave.
Vancouver, WA 98683
(360) 448-6003
 

Mail-in options

For small batteries (less than 5lbs per battery) through: Big Green BoxCall2Recycle, Cirba SolutionsClean EarthTerraCycle, and Waste Management.

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Drop-off locations

Free drop off of 10 mercury-containing lights per day at LightRecycle Washington locations.

Mail-in options

Waste Management

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Drop-off locations

Drop off of used motor oil at participating automotive shops including AutoZone and O’Reilly Auto Parts. Visit their websites to find a location near you. Quantity limits apply, call before you drive.

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Mail-in options

Waste Management